Check out all the latest bells and whistles in kitchen appliances at Stewart's TV and Appliance

By Patricia Nugent

The second generation of Stewarts—Ed, Pam, Nancy and Greg—represent management, sales, marketing and service at Stewart’s TV and Appliance store. Founded by their father, Dick, in 1946, back when the television was still an enigmatic invention few families owned, the operation has grown exponentially, expanding from what was once a tiny 30-square-foot shop on Cleveland Street to two floors and endless galleries of every imaginable appliance.

Today the sibling leadership team has built the store into a shopping destination in Lorain County—and people still come from all over for the largest selection, best prices and friendly service.

Over the past decade, in a climate where numerous local mom-and-pop appliance stores have closed their doors in the wake of big box stores, Stewart’s has actually thrived.

“We feel that personalized service is a large reason for our success over the years,” says Ed. “We know most customers by their first name. Oftentimes, several generations of the same family have put their trust in us.”

Conveniently located about 10 minutes from Avon, just a half mile past the city line, the superstore carries everything needed for your home.

You’ll find everything from kitchen appliances (refrigerators, wine coolers, ranges, ovens, oven hoods, freezers, ice makers, dishwashers, microwaves, disposals, warming drawers, mixers, blenders, food processors) to laundry appliances, televisions, video components, speakers, projectors and outdoor grills–with a range of manufacturers offered to meet any budget.

Are You as Smart as Your Oven?
Over the past several years, appliance manufacturers have introduced “smart” products that are connected to the user via smart phone or tablet.

They provide useful information (a refrigerator with a camera inside so you can check if you’re out of milk when you’re at the grocery store), save time (you can preheat your oven remotely so it’s ready when you arrive home), provide convenience (dishwashers that send you a text when their cycle is finished) and even make decisions for you, (just scan the QR code on a packaged meal and the microwave will cook it at the appropriate time and power level).

Ed reports that one of the smartest of the smart products is the new KitchenAid Smart Oven Plus.

“This is a top-of-the-line product for people who appreciate different styles of cooking,” he says. “For instance, it comes with a base heating element that plugs into the back of the oven wall that converts to a grill, a cooking stone and even a steamer (clambake season is just a few weeks away). Cleanup is easy, too, as the non-stick unit disassembles and the pieces can go in the dishwasher.”

The Smart Oven Plus is easy to operate from its touchscreen, and even has a recipe guide where you can store your favorite recipes.

See What’s Possible in the Ultimate Show Kitchen
Check out all the latest bells and whistles in kitchen appliances in the Ultimate Show Kitchen located downstairs at Stewart’s.

From high-end magnetic induction cooktops that can boil a pot of water in seconds, Sub-Zero refrigerators, Keurigs and hot water lines built into your refrigerator door, and a cooling unit that can change from a refrigerator to a freezer and back at the touch of your finger to adapt to your needs.

In terms of finishes, Ed says trends are shifting toward matte black, black stainless and bronze stainless, and white matte is also growing in popularity. Although stainless steel hardware has been the number one seller for the past several years, copper handles and brass handles are also trending.

In addition to kitchen appliances, the superstore has earned a reputation for offering the biggest selection of washers and dryers in Lorain County.

“One of our biggest-selling lines is Speed Queen, which are built better to last longer,” he says. “They are 100 percent front-serviceable, which makes them easier to fix, whether by a service person or those who like to DIY. It’s a commercial quality line of products for the home.”

Stewart’s services everything it sells with trusty factory-trained technicians. And appliance repair is a big part of their business.

Stewart’s TV & Appliance is located at 468 Cleveland Street in Elyria, just a half-mile west of Abbe Road. Hours are Monday and Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There are zero percent financing programs available. Since Stewart’s owns an off-site warehouse, you can have your appliance purchase delivered same-day or next-day. Delivery of appliances is free with purchases of $499 and up, and their service technicians will haul away your previous freestanding appliances. Call 440-365-7321 or visit StewartAppliance.com for more information. Check out their Facebook page for live demonstrations in their kitchen from local chefs.